The government is moving ahead with an ambitious plan to transform communities across Georgetown through upgraded drainage systems, improved recreational facilities, heritage preservation and enhanced public spaces.
According to Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, the initiative has already begun through consultations. It forms part of a wider national development agenda aimed at modernising communities and improving citizens’ quality of life.
Speaking on the Starting Point Podcast on Sunday, Minister Jacobs stated, “We’ll be doing concrete drains to the entire city, and by extension, the entire country.”
He explained that the government is taking a leading role in upgrading roads, community grounds and recreational facilities to create safer and more family-friendly spaces.
“We want these community facilities to be something that every single person can be proud of, where families can relax and spend quality time together,” Minister Jacobs said.
The minister pointed to the recently completed Aubrey Barker Road project as an example of the government’s development vision for Georgetown.
He recalled that there were criticisms and concerns during construction. However, he noted that the completed roadway has significantly improved the community and increased property values along the corridor.
“Now, if you drive past there, it is a beautifully paved road, and the net value of the houses along that stretch went up significantly,” the minister stated.
“We want to make Georgetown clean. We want to make Georgetown a friendly space, but we want a Georgetown that every single Guyanese can be proud of,” he added.
Looking at specific communities, Minister Jacobs also highlighted ongoing plans to transform Tiger Bay into a model community, stating that several projects are already underway, including recreational facilities developed through private-sector partnerships.
“We already have a recreation area there with a basketball court and football space for persons in the community.”
The transformation project will also include upgraded drains, walkways and heritage-focused attractions stretching along Water Street and linking sections of Lamaha Street.
The minister said similar works are planned for other communities, including East Ruimveldt and East La Penitence, where community grounds and public spaces are expected to be redeveloped.
